บท 247: Humanity's Rank
At the Xi Wall, roughly two weeks later, a heavy snowstorm decorated the skies, painting a gloomy atmosphere. The soldiers wrapped themselves up in coats and huddled around bonfires, their teeth shaking from the cold. No one was willing to speak, as they clasped their weapons anxiously. From time to time, they would shoot glances toward the birds. The flying airship was 'anchored' near the walls and had not moved in the weeks since it arrived. What once seemed like a miracle gradually became accepted among everyone. But the commanders did not grow lax. They secretly smuggled a huge amount of ranged weaponry in and prepared all sorts of countermeasures. Flying ship or not, it was not invincible! If a thousand was not enough, then they would prepare ten thousand! They refused to let birds challenge their human pride!
Meanwhile, Argo, the acting Sect Master, stood on the deck with a straight face. The snow seemed to disappear around him as the temperature was regulated perfectly. With proper control of energy, the elements were nothing! His eyes stayed closed in deep contemplation when they suddenly shone with a brilliant radiance. He glanced in the far, far distance. There he saw the incoming army! It was the Imperial Council! Likewise, the minor tremors caused by their arrival alerted the soldiers. They glowed with excitement and eagerness. Once the Imperial Council moved, then these birds would finally realize the supremacy of the Xingyuu Empire and humanity!
In one of the carriages, Prime Minister Pon-Wai looked out his window and his eyes widened involuntarily. Despite his briefing, the sight really did astound him. Gliders came nothing close. That was a flying ship! The skies were always an unassailable territory, a domain that no humans could ever hope to reach! Even the surrounding soldiers were shocked. They had never seen anything quite so miraculous in all their lives. Only the Prime Minister recovered his wits quickly enough. Relatively speaking, the sight was surprising, but its existence not so much. Almost half a year ago, there was something much more shocking: the flying island, New Havens! This flying ship almost seemed pathetic in comparison!
He started thinking, The flying ship is anchored outside the wall, neither touching the ground nor above the wall. What does that mean? It should be a sign of neither arrogance nor subservience. They believe that they're an equal force, worthy to negotiate with the empire. At the very least, they should not be openly hostile. Furthermore…
As he came closer, he could see the ship was visibly damaged. Burns, cracks, holes, and all sorts of battle scars were scattered across the hull. Humanity might have stopped expansion, but that did not stop their exploration. As the leader of the Imperial Council, he knew more than most about the dangers of the wilderness. The cruel and bizarre world beyond the Xi Wall was not for humans! So, he believed that there were two ways to break through and pioneer the new world. One was through simple brute force like bringing a massive army to clear everything out. The other was to rely on an exceptional group of elites, surpassing the Perception Realm standard… the legendary Instinct Realm!
Then what about these birds? Were they really the vanguard of a stronger force, making first contact with the empire? Or were they five ungodly strong individuals, capable of carving their way through with a path of blood? Or was their flying ship a strategic weapon of war? On the off chance the empire angered them, then the three-way deadlock balance would be broken. The council would be destroyed! Conversely, if they were roped onto the council's side, they would be a decisive trump card! Of course, all his speculations might be wrong too. There were too many questions and too many unknowns. Still, he ruminated on his plans up until he arrived at the wall.
A massive welcoming ceremony was conducted, and it shied just short of welcoming the Imperial Family! The Prime Minister waved politely and disembarked when the birds came over. The atmosphere immediately turned solemn. Seeing them up close, the Prime Minister felt his breath hasten. They were towering beasts, forcing everyone to look up at them. Coupled with their wingspan, then everyone would seem small! Even the beast of a man, Cardinal Loujin, was no different. In the first place, they were an entirely different species altogether, so it was not too surprising. However, they subconsciously released a monstrous level of oppression toward everyone. Argo, in particular, caused the Prime Minister to stiffen. The bird might have backlashed back to peak Rank 2, but his aura remained sharp as ever! It was incomparable to the Imperial Sentinels, who lacked Martial Energy. This was a true peak Rank 2 existence!
"You must be Argo, the acting Sect Master of the Featherwind Sect, right? I am Prime Minister Pon-Wai Jian, also the temporary leader of the Xingyuu Empire. On behalf of humanity, we welcome your kind," he said eloquently after restraining his shock.
On the other hand, Argo had a momentary lapse in concentration. Why? Because the Prime Minister was a weakling! Back in the Featherwind Sect, he was the second highest authority which was gained through his formidable power, power that reached the half-Rank 3 standard! In a few years, he had full confidence to make that final leap forward to becoming a Rank 3 King! His servants were Rank 2s, and he would ignore anyone below that. They were unworthy of his notice! Now though, he had to treat this brat, who was lesser than his servants, on equal grounds? That was really humiliating!
Understandably, his killing intent surged. They were clearly looking down on him! But he ultimately stayed his hand. Just as the Prime Minister lacked information on them, the reverse was also true. If this was a Rank 3 civilization, like the Luminous Central Origin, then those Kings could be watching from afar, ready to intervene whenever necessary. Beings like Commander Infernal Witch King or Rampaging Nightmare Beast King were already frightening existences, but they were only early Rank 3s. They were incomparable to mid Rank 3s, much less Rank 4 Emperors! It was a tiny, almost non-existent chance, but if this were a Rank 4 elite civilization, then… They might die without noticing it! As for Rank 5 superpower… So, both sides kept their cards hidden and kept a cordial attitude.
With the Prime Minister leading the way, the two sides settled down in a nearby lounge. The finest tea, wine, and beverages were prepared with an extravagant selection of food. Since their dietary preferences were unknown, the Prime Minister specifically arranged for every possible meal, creating an elaborate borderline banquet-like experience. Super rare ingredients, such as once-a-decade forged mushrooms or meat from an almost extinct species, which money could not buy, were thoroughly available. Despite that, the birds ignored the display and sat down, forcing a wry smile on the Prime Minister's face. Snapping his fingers, servants came in and cleared the table.
Once everything was done, the Prime Minister asked, "I believe that the Featherwind Sect wished to discuss something with the Xingyuu Empire?"
"Isn't the place improper for a confidential conversation?" Argo was confused.
There was not a single barrier surrounding them! No presence-sealing nor perception-blocking, nor even the most basic defensive barrier… One had to know that the elder hall in the Featherwind Sect was protected by over a hundred specialized spells, formed by a large complex Magic Array! It could withstand the attack of a dozen half-Rank 3s, though it would fall short against a real Rank 3 King. That was the bare minimum to be considered as safe from prying eyes. The actions of the Xingyuu Empire continued to baffle him while doubt filled his eyes. What was their rank?
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